A pastel painting on sandpaper titled “My Self” featuring a young girl’s portrait contrasted against a dark yellow background created by Abigail Preckel of Wentzville has been chosen as the winner from the 3rd District in the Congressional Art Competition.

The winning entries, along with three runners-up, were selected by Washington, Missouri artist, Gary Lucy. Lucy is known for his paintings of nature and his commissioned piece done for the 175^th anniversary of Washington, Missouri. 

“Seeing students’ artwork from around the country in the halls of the Capitol is very special to me,” U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) said. “Mr. Lucy’s choice was very difficult this year because of the number of exceptional entries. I am looking forward to displaying Abigail’s painting in the Capitol and featuring the runners-up paintings in my district offices. Each of these young artists told a story through art and I am honored to have these hanging in my offices. In addition, I want to thank each and every student who submitted artwork for the competition. We had an overwhelming amount of entries and it is very impressive to see the talent in the 3^rd District.”

Abigail, a junior at Timberland High School, will have her work displayed along with other winners from congressional districts around the country in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol.  Abigail, whose art teacher is

Crystal Wing, will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this summer where all winning artwork from across the nation will be displayed.

The first runner-up was Lainey Winge, from Jefferson City High School with her work “Steam Punk Ribs.” Emily Schmitz, from Fatima High School, was the second-runner up with the piece “Painted-on Beauty.” The third runner-up was Iberia High School student Bennett Zink with the piece titled “Neotropical.”

More than 40 works were submitted from across the 3^rd Congressional District.